The Greater Accra Passenger Transport Executive (GAPTE) has repaired and deployed 48 previously grounded Aayalolo buses as part of efforts to improve public transportation and ease mobility challenges in Accra.
The development represents a significant step in efforts to restore the Aayalolo Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, which has faced operational challenges due to vehicle breakdowns and maintenance difficulties.
According to GAPTE, the repaired buses have been returned to service and deployed across major routes in the Greater Accra Region, increasing the number of vehicles available to commuters.
GAPTE works to restore Aayalolo operations
The move comes amid renewed government efforts to strengthen the Aayalolo system and improve the reliability of public transportation in Accra.
The Greater Accra Passenger Transport Executive, which manages the Aayalolo service, has been working to repair grounded buses and improve the operational capacity of its fleet.
Earlier in 2026, GAPTE indicated that a significant portion of its bus fleet was unavailable because of mechanical breakdowns and other operational challenges. The organisation subsequently began a programme to repair and return some of the grounded buses to service.
The latest restoration of 48 buses is therefore expected to provide additional capacity for commuters who depend on public transport to travel across the capital.
The development comes shortly after the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga, inspected Aayalolo facilities at Madina, Achimota and Kinbu.
The September 8 inspection was aimed at assessing the condition and availability of buses and identifying measures needed to return more grounded vehicles to operation. Several buses were observed at the Achimota facility after being taken off the road because of mechanical problems.
Mr Ayariga assured GAPTE management and staff of the government’s commitment to revamping the Aayalolo system to help address transportation challenges and improve public mobility in Greater Accra.
Dedicated lanes proposed for Aayalolo buses
The government is also considering measures to make Aayalolo buses more efficient during peak traffic periods.
Mr Ayariga has proposed the use of dedicated or exclusive lanes for Aayalolo buses during peak hours, allowing the buses to bypass congestion and reach passengers more quickly.
He also suggested using motorbike escorts to help the buses navigate heavily congested roads during peak periods. The proposal is intended to improve the speed and reliability of the BRT service and encourage more motorists to use public transportation instead of private vehicles.
Aayalolo’s operational challenges
The Aayalolo system was introduced to provide an organised and efficient mass-transit option for commuters in Accra. However, the service has struggled with fleet availability and maintenance over the years.
In January 2026, GAPTE reported that only a portion of the 245 buses originally procured for the system were operational in Accra. The organisation subsequently began efforts to repair grounded vehicles and improve fleet utilisation.
A more recent report also indicated that GAPTE had increased the number of buses operating on Accra’s transit corridors while working to address maintenance challenges.
The return of 48 repaired buses could therefore provide a boost to the system’s capacity, particularly at a time when Accra continues to grapple with traffic congestion and increasing demand for reliable public transportation.
What the development means for commuters
For commuters, the return of the repaired Aayalolo buses could translate into shorter waiting times, improved service frequency and greater access to organised public transport on key routes.
However, sustaining the improvement will depend largely on regular maintenance, effective fleet management and the availability of sufficient operational resources.
With government now considering dedicated lanes and other measures to improve the service, attention will be on whether the interventions can translate into a more reliable and efficient Aayalolo system for commuters across Accra.
